The Janatha Vimukthu Peramuna (JVP) has written a letter to Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera demanding to lift the ban on Facebook.

In his letter, JVP Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath said the government did not take any measures to curb 'hate speech' on Facebook, at the outset.

"When the things got out of control, the government went on to ban social media. Had they nipped the issue of hate speech and online abuse in the bud, the recent developments would not have occurred," the letter stated.

He also added that the ban on Facebook would make a severe negative impact on industries like IT, Tourism and advertising.

Herath also said the ban on messaging platforms has prevented Sri Lankan expatriates from contacting their family members.

"Therefore, we demand the government to release the social media platforms from its custody," he added.